L’iMPacT: Low-cost Hybrid Metal 3D Printing and Machining Technology

LâiMPacT：低成本混合金属 3D 打印和加工技术

• 批准号: RTI-2017-00483
• 负责人: Ahmad, Rafiq
• 金额: $ 10.66万
• 依托单位: University of Alberta
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Research Tools and Instruments
• 财政年份: 2016
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2016-01-01 至 2017-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=616688
• 关键词: iMPacT; Low; cost; Hybrid; Metal

Hybrid Manufacturing (HM) is a term used to describe processes which combine additive manufacturing (3D printing - AM) with subtractive (machining) processes, enabling multiple operations on a single machine. HM processes combine the benefits of each of these manufacturing techniques while offsetting their short comings. For example, the majority of the parts made with 3D printing technology require post-processing to improve the surface finish (e.g. polishing, milling etc.). On the other hand, re-manufacturing of expensive parts requires the deposition of materials, which is a clear advantage of the combined HM technology. We are in the midst of a well-recognized break-through in 3D printing with polymers. However, the utilization of metals is of greater industrial interest and significance and has much more market potential, especially for Alberta. The equipment requested will boost the capabilities of advanced metal manufacturing at the U of A. Currently, the average price for quality commercial metal printers is more than $1,000,000. The high capital cost and slow production rate of 3D metal printers has limited their distribution and there are very few to be found at educational institutions. The availability of hybrid manufacturing facility at the University will open up new ways to collaborate with industries, but also provide easy access to train Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP) with diverse research programs including: 1) Integrating advanced technologies to deposit metals to produce complex parts with high precision and manufacturing intelligence, 2) Product strength enhancement by tool-path optimization, 3) Design, manufacturing and analysis of nasal airway for testing new nasal drug products, and 4) the investigation of: the interactions between wire and arc beam; the subsequent solidification of deposits; the formation of the microstructure; and the final mechanical properties of the components. In addition to the programs mentioned above, the equipment will also be used as a test/demonstration unit for manufacturing companies in Alberta. We are also planning to extend this facility to build a metal printing competence center and will collaborate with many other universities and industries across Canada. As part of the research program we will assess, industrialize and patent many products and integrated technology. The availability of the requested equipment will advances the state-of-the-art technology in a number of areas including: combined machining and 3D printing with low-cost objectives, re-manufacturing with shorter production times, strength enhancement and parts analysis of complex parts and critical alloy analysis for future innovative components. The requested equipment will accelerate the diversification of the Alberta economy and will supplement the growing shift of the local industries towards clean and green manufacturing.

混合制造 (HM) 是一个术语，用于描述将增材制造（3D 打印 - AM）与减材（加工）工艺相结合的工艺，从而在一台机器上实现多种操作。 HM 工艺结合了这些制造技术的优点，同时弥补了它们的缺点。例如，大多数采用3D打印技术制造的零件都需要进行后处理以提高表面光洁度（例如抛光、铣削等）。另一方面，昂贵零件的再制造需要材料沉积，这是组合热熔技术的一个明显优势。 我们正处于聚合物 3D 打印领域公认的突破之中。然而，金属的利用具有更大的工业利益和意义，并且具有更大的市场潜力，特别是对于艾伯塔省而言。所需的设备将提高阿尔伯塔大学先进金属制造的能力。目前，优质商用金属打印机的平均价格超过 1,000,000 美元。 3D金属打印机的高资本成本和缓慢的生产速度限制了其分布，并且在教育机构中很少见。 大学混合制造设施的可用性将开辟与行业合作的新方式，同时也为通过各种研究项目培训高素质人才（HQP）提供了便利，包括：1）集成先进技术来沉积金属以生产复杂零件具有高精度和制造智能，2）通过刀具路径优化增强产品强度，3）用于测试新鼻用药物产品的鼻气道的设计、制造和分析，以及4）研究：线材和弧形梁之间的相互作用；随后沉积物的凝固；微观结构的形成；以及部件的最终机械性能。 除了上述项目外，该设备还将用作艾伯塔省制造公司的测试/演示单元。我们还计划扩展该设施以建立金属印刷能力中心，并将与加拿大各地的许多其他大学和行业合作。作为研究计划的一部分，我们将对许多产品和集成技术进行评估、工业化和专利。 所需设备的可用性将在许多领域推进最先进的技术，包括：以低成本为目标的组合加工和 3D 打印、缩短生产时间的再制造、强度增强和复杂零件分析未来创新部件的零件和关键合金分析。所需的设备将加速艾伯塔省经济的多元化，并将补充当地工业向清洁和绿色制造的不断转变。